We’ve still got a few more weeks of winter. UGH. How are you and your dog holding up? If you and your pal seem a bit more subdued than usual, don’t worry. It’s natural for this time of year to be a bit low key.

We are storing up and hunkering down but soon we will need and want to expend all that energy when we get a whiff of Spring air. Your dog will know when it’s coming and start feeling a little restless wanting to relieve some of that cabin fever.

In the meantime, take advantage of the solitude and quiet time to rest and reflect. That’s what your dog does and how many times do we talk about being more like our dogs when observing their unconditional love they dole out on a daily basis? My dogs remind me of all the blessings I live with everyday.

Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us that this time of year our Kidney’s and Bladder are doing their work of storing up from the Fall harvest in anticipation of the rebirth of the season of Springtime. The Kidney’s, with it’s sister Meridian the Bladder, are known as the ‘Root of Life’ and make up the fundamentals of the Yin/Yang system in all the other organs. Kidney’s store your body’s Essence, your constitutionality. Your dog’s Kidney Essence should be maintained through a healthy lifestyle-good, quality food, plenty of exercise and a clean environment. It is also beneficial for your dog to have the love and companionship of humans and other dogs.

The things that can go wrong when the dog has week Kidneys are developmental and growth issues, week, brittle bones, tooth decay, estrus and fertility issues and low energy. On the emotional side, fear and anxiety can rule the dog’s behavior. Another issue that may develop is a bladder infection. Your dog may not want to go out to potty because it’s cold out there! So he’s reluctant to relieve himself when he should causing him to hold his urine. Try to get your dog outside every few hours to take the necessary potty breaks.

Spring is just around the corner! Hang in there! If your dog needs a pick-me-up, Acupressure can address those Winter Blues by keeping his Chi moving in a harmonious cycle. During this time of year it can help with giving the Kidney and extra boost, strengthening the immune system to keep those environmental influences at bay, and by giving arthritic bones some relief.

We, as well as our pets, tend to be less active in the winter months. With the colder temperatures, shorter days and general ‘let down’ after the holidays, we would rather stay inside and be home bodies! I think it’s very natural. And….we probably need the rest.

Our pets accept this cycle much better than we do. Sure they still want to go for their walks, but are seemingly more patient about getting out to do their business! They are more in tune with their environment and surroundings and therefore better able to ‘go with the flow’. We can learn a lot from our pets.

One reason they hesitate going outside to do their business….It’s COLD out there!!! Winter is the season that is associated with the Water element in the 5 phases of transformation according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The other 4 elements are Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Each element has a transition phase linked to a season. Fall transitions into Winter and Winter transitions into Spring….

The Kidney and Bladder are the organ systems that correspond to the Winter months and relate to the idea of ‘storing up’ the bodies resources, and Water, to combat the harsh, cold season that is Winter. Dogs and other animals might seem a bit lethargic, or slower moving. Consider the bear that hibernates during the winter. After our Holiday feasts, we’ve put on a layer of fat to keep us protected from the cold, dry and windy weather that comes from the North.

Our animals are contemplative during this time. They are coming to an end of a cycle and in a sense, are in decay mode. Dogs and Cats are getting ready to transition into a growing period. They need those resources, just as plants do in the springtime, to rebuild and blossom again. It is no coincidence that Spring’s element is Wood. We need Water to grow Wood.

Not only do the Kidneys store the water and essential fluids, they also hold the animals Original or Source Chi that it was born with. This is the vital substance that gives the animal the power to grow, develop and reproduce. It’s that ‘constitution’, ‘will’ or ‘fire’ that we are all born with. This fire continues to burn throughout our lives. It cannot be replenished. It fades as we get older. However, since it is the source of strength, we need to give it extra support especially during the Winter.

How do we strengthen our pets Kidney and Bladder systems? As always, good nutrition and abundant, fresh water. If you are buying your pets food from the grocery store, most likely, it’s got way too much sodium in it. Dogs like this, but too much of it can cause Kidneys to be overworked. Consider going to your local pet food store. Ask the clerks-usually they are very knowledgeable about good nutrition. You can also read the ingredients to make sure there aren’t any fillers.

As I mentioned above, your dog may hold his urine longer because it’s cold outside. This could lead to a Bladder infection because the Bladder lining can get irritated holding onto all that urine. You might want to get your dog out of bed and let him stay outside for several minutes a few times a day.

Make sure your pet gets enough exercise-even in the winter! Aside from keeping the body’s water and electrolytes balanced, the Kidneys produce a hormone that involves regulating the blood pressure. Regular exercise without a doubt helps the Kidneys function properly. Also, the Kidneys are the creator of Bone and Marrow according to TCM. Daily exercise maintains strength in the bones and nourishes the spinal column. During the Winter, if your pet is limited by arthritis, he may exhibit more discomfort. Some gentle exercise can help alleviate stiffness and get Original Chi flowing.

Acupressure can help boost the function of these organ systems by initiating the free flow of Chi, Blood and vital fluids like Water, so that they may reach the organs and keep them nourished and keep the Kidneys moist-thereby keeping the skeletal system lubricated. Acupressure relieves any blockage in the body when the proper Meridians are worked with a gentle, healing touch. We try to restore or maintain the Yin/Yang balance in the body through this method to promote the much needed circulation of Chi.

A few more things about the Water element associated with the Kidneys in the Winter season:

The parts of the body that is managed by the Kidneys and Bladder are bones, teeth, marrow and the spinal column. And as I mentioned before, grow issues are related to the Water element.

The emotion related to the Water element is Fear. Think about the being so scared, you peed your pants! Or scared so much that your skeleton is trembling!

The color is Blue or Black-no mystery there….Winter Blues…..

The sense organ is the Ear. Fluid in the ear can cause dizziness. When loss of hearing is an issue, a cat or dog can become fearful of loud noises and hide under the bed. Or an animal with Kidney problems can be extra sensitive to noise in general.

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Acupressure techniques

Acupressure techniques are designed to enhance the body's natural healing ability. My intention is not to replace your pet's veterinarian but to help maintain his health in between vet visits. I do not diagnose or prescribe medicine. I am a proponent of licensed holistic vet care.